📺 It’s 10PM… Do You Know Wheres Your Traumas From

Growing up in the age of nighttime warnings like “It’s 10PM… do you know where your children are?” and binge-watching shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and America's Most Wanted left a deep imprint on many of us. These programs and public safety announcements were designed to inform and protect, yet many experienced them as sources of fear and anxiety, establishing what can be called 'PSA trauma.' The psychological effect of airing true crime and crime-prevention content during early evening hours was significant because families unwittingly engaged with intense subject matter at a moment traditionally associated with winding down and relaxation. The messages, often aggressive or ominous, blurred the lines between safety alerts and alarmist fear tactics. This impacted childhood development around concepts of safety and trust, as many would find themselves double-checking locks or feeling anxious after watching. Interestingly, as adults, many now reflect on these memories with humor, noting how these frightening broadcasts shaped not just their fears but their resilience and coping mechanisms. This switch from fear to laughter helps people process past anxiety and trauma, illustrating the therapeutic power of humor in mental health. Public service announcements and the surge of true crime television reflect broader societal concerns about safety, crime rates, and morality during the late 20th century. They also provide a fascinating cultural snapshot into how media consumption directly influenced social behavior and personal psychology. For those who grew up tangled in these deeply impactful media moments, discussing and dissecting them, as done in the What The Shit?! Podcast, offers a space to acknowledge how media shaped trauma and to cultivate healing through shared stories, candid discussions, and, most importantly, humor. This space invites listeners to find connection not just through their past fears but in collective healing and laughter—an essential reminder that behind the scary mask of classic PSAs and true crime shows lies a relatable human experience.